Paging Brad Pitt: Chanel No. 5 May Be Banned

Chanel No. 5, created in 1921, is one of the more recognizable perfumes out there. I have numerous friends who wear it as their “signature scent” (which I think defeats the “signature” part but c’est la vie), so I would likely recognize it anywhere. Sadly, they may have to find a new scent endorsed by Brad Pitt on acid.

The European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety has been examining 100 possible allergens in Chanel No. 5’s current formula that could be putting wearers at risk. Tree moss and oak moss, which give Miss Dior and Chanel No. 5 their woody base notes, are facing an outright ban, while 12 other ingredients would be restricted to a lower concentration.

Of course, many people are displeased with the possibility of Chanel No. 5, as well as “hundreds” of other scents, having their formulas altered so drastically. Sylvie Jourdet of the French perfumer’s society told The Telegraph that “Chanel No 5 has never done any harm to anyone. It is the death of perfume if this continues.”

Anyways, the regulations would likely change quite a bit about the perfume industry and its methods. Anybody who’s ever tried to make homemade soap in a weak attempt at DIY gifts knows that changing even a little bit of a scent’s formula can alter it dramatically, so I imagine the scientists over at Chanel have got their work cut out for them if this ban passes. So if this is your favorite scent, stock up prior to 2014, when the proposed regulations will likely be brought to the table.